Lafayette County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 35th-largest in Missouri
The population of Lafayette County, Missouri is 32,974 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 35th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $79,091, the median home value is $200,300, and the median age is 40.9.
The population of Lafayette County has grown 0.4% since 2010 (33,380 → 33,511), a +0.03% annualized rate.
32,974
Population
+0.03%
Annual growth
52
People / sq mi
$79,091
Median Income
$200,300
Median Home Value
Lafayette County covers 628 sq mi of land at 52.5 people per square mile.
About Lafayette County, MO
Lafayette County is a county in Missouri with a population of 32,974. It ranks #35 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 40.9, older than the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
The median household income in Lafayette County is $79,091, above the US median of $74,580. 6.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $200,300, with monthly rent averaging $848. The homeownership rate of 76.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lafayette County reflects 24.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.0 minutes each way.
Lafayette County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lafayette County had a population of 33,380 in 2010 and 33,511 in 2024, a 0.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 33,511 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.03%.
33,511
Population (2024)
33,380
Population (2010)
33,511
Peak (2024)
0.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 33,380 |
| 2011 | 33,213 |
| 2012 | 33,061 |
| 2013 | 32,828 |
| 2014 | 32,627 |
| 2015 | 32,633 |
| 2016 | 32,532 |
| 2017 | 32,604 |
| 2018 | 32,567 |
| 2019 | 32,774 |
| 2020 | 33,050 |
| 2021 | 32,835 |
| 2022 | 32,937 |
| 2023 | 33,244 |
| 2024 | 33,511 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.9
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
18.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.8% · Seniors (65+): 18.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $79,091+$10,171 vs state |
| Mean household income | $91,942 |
| Per-capita income | $35,510 |
| Poverty rate | 6.8%-1.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lafayette County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
81.5%
Public transit
8.1%
Work from home
26.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$200,300$-15,300 vs state
Median home value
$848
Median rent
76.5%
Homeownership rate
14,183
Total housing units
87.7%
Occupied
12.3%
Vacant
23.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.0%
With health insurance
93.2%
With broadband internet
17.9%
Foreign-born
8.7%
Veterans (18+)
15.9%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.8%
High School+
24.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lafayette County, Missouri has a population of 32,974 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 35th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 52 people per square mile.
The population of Lafayette County has grown 0.4% since 2010 (33,380 → 33,511), a +0.03% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lafayette County, Missouri is $79,091, with mean (average) household income of $91,942 and per-capita income of $35,510. 6.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lafayette County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.6%), Black or African American (1.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lafayette County, Missouri is 40.9 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Lafayette County is $200,300 and median monthly rent is $848. 76.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 14,183 total housing units, 12.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lafayette County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.4%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Lafayette County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
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Statewide data for Missouri
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Missouri
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.